5 Hot Careers in a Down Economy

From an economic perspective, recent years have been tough. Many industries were hit hard, and a lot of employers were forced to lay off a number of their employees. Experts believe that the situation will improve in the next couple years. However, people still need to make ends meet in the mean time. Fortunately, there are several careers that seem to be more capable of surviving in economic downturn.

One of the industries that is likely to survive the recession is sales and finance. Some of the best positions in this field include accountant, financial analyst, financial manager, and marketing manager. Accountants require an accounting degree and are capable of earning up to $55,000 annually. Financial analysts can find jobs if they have a degree in business administration and will likely earn around $66,000 per year. To become a financial manager, you would need a degree in finance, and you can expect to earn around $90,000 each year. Marketing managers would require a degree in either advertising or journalism and could earn up to $98,000 every year. Both financial managers and marketing managers have a high potential for growth within their industries.

Another industry that is more than capable of lasting through the recession is the computer industry. Within this industry, the two best positions are systems software engineer and computer system analyst. Systems software engineers can earn approximately $85,000 and will need a degree in computer information science. Computer systems analysts can earn around $69,000 annually and will need a degree in computer information science as well. Both of these careers include a great potential for growth and advancement.

A third industry that is likely to make it through periods of economic uncertainty is engineering. The best positions in this field are civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and chemical engineer. Civil engineers must earn degrees in their field and have the potential to earn up to $68,000 annually. Mechanical engineers must also earn a degree in their field and, like civil engineers, can earn around $68,000 each year. Electrical engineers must earn degrees in electrical engineering and are capable of earning up to $75,000 annually. Finally, chemical engineers must earn degrees in chemical engineering and may earn up to $78,000 per year.

Jobs in the field of education are also likely to remain viable during the recession. Though they don't earn the highest salaries, professionals in this field usually enjoy good job security. Both teachers and college professors can expect to keep their jobs during the recession, but professors will earn more money. To search for a job as a teacher, you must have at least a bachelor's degree, while professors usually earn doctorates.

For workers without college degrees, one of the safest professions is dependent care. The need for daytime child or elderly care is unlikely to disappear with the recession, so these individuals can expect to keep their jobs. Positions in these fields include nursing home workers, babysitters, and daycare employees. While some jobs will require only a high school diploma, other positions in this field may require minor certifications or training.